AGH as facilitator
A long introduction could be made regarding all the achievements of AGH. However, we want to show only a little part of all the events where our organization has participated. The latest, two symposium held in Monterrey, México, dealing with innovation, entrepreneurship and society, where AGH participated as facilitator. The conclusions of a book summarizing (still to be published) what had been done in both events are a useful guide to see what our company is capable of doing for you
This book is the result of the collective intelligence and effort of many people convinced of the capacity of different sectors of society to harvest projects that benefit society as a whole. The various views expressed by so many high ranking individuals and institutions, including academicians, business people, public servants and professional from different areas and different countries are the evidence that the key to gaining is sharing and, above all, to trust each other. “Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Society” was not chosen by chance, as the headline for this ongoing integration process between Mexico and Finland. In this process, AGH associates is beginning to play a meaningful role, since one of its missions is to to facilitate the co-creation of knowledge and value for our partners and stakeholders, particularly in this ongoing Mexico-Finland project. AGH members are aware that the fastest path for their stakeholders is to build long-lasting links where every member of society is involved through different projects. Such projects should influence society through innovation and entrepreneurship
Well known personalities like Drs. Jaime Parada and Eugenia Garcia, professors Yrjö Neuvo and Hannu Seristö, ambassadors, business leaders, artists like maestro Sebastian and professionals like Dr. Schutte, all encourage different aspects of our concept. They share, however, our views that local knowledge of facts and values must be appreciated by the foreign entrepreneurs, be it from business or academic circles, or with public support. The key facts to be taken into account are:
- technology for and access to health and wellbeing
- intelligent technology for information and communication – locally and globally
- innovative art and design as tools for a more enjoyable society
- converting science into useful products and services
- sustainable use of natural resources with clean technology
- qualitative growth potential using nanotechnology in smarter solutions
- corporate responsibility, including environmental, social and economic policies
A network of known people and institutions that agree on principles and objectives just need a motivated coordinator to look after particular interests and keep the process going.
Even though some companies and institutions may object, that such a scope for coordination and collaboration is not practical or efficient, is time consuming and presupposes a lot of resources, initials results in collaboration show that precisely when resources are scarce there are even more reasons to join forces, to give and take. In stead of striving for results abroad with a purely business approach, we believe in a strategy of insight, provided by a forum of all sectors of society, which you find in this book.
Regarding entrepreneurship, as a result of the Symposium more than a dozen Finnish companies will expand their business in Mexican territory. Planmeca is the best example we have and we could be sure that their business will have some deep roots. Other middle size companies will also continue expanding and growing. GT Trading will re start negotiations with Pemex. GT Trading will find the best providers on pet.
In general, societies in Mexico and Finland will benefit from some ongoing projects promoted by this event will help Mexican students to improve their knowledge on. Such projects include green Smart cities, corporate social responsibilities programs, the importance to mix their studies with doing practical research and business inspired on the design factory of Finland and on the major that TEC has called entrepreneurship..
In the field of innovation, after the symposium was held, seven Mexican companies will benefit from different Finnish technologies. Some examples are:
- Metalsa will use the best Nanotechnology into painting and Nanotechnology and the plan is to do this with the teams of Aalto University, VTT and the best experts of Finland in this field.
- Cemex is improving its innovation processes and will concretize the steps with a closer collaboration with Tekes in Aalto in order to implement globally green technologies
- Kone: Will make a project in 2012 a Pop up design factory like the one they carried out in Shanghai,,, this will be a collaboration between Aalto University, IDBM department, TEC of Monterrey and Kone Corporation
- Outotec: shall in collaboration with Aalto and TEC coordinate some special program in order to tailor a special program on automation with the best Mexican engineers that will serve its companies and local customers
- Planmeca: will make join ventures with the local universities, partners in order to position in the mexican market and also find the best corporate social programs with the local governments.
- GT Trading will start trading with Pemex by selling specil type of Gasoline and bringing other type or raw materials like PET plastic to be treated in Finland
- Larkas Laina will find out the best partner to carry out the stadium project.
- Aalto University will welcome a Professor at Helsinki to teach research and work on the agreed projects. TEC of Monterrey will do the same and welcome a Finnish professor.
In spite of the ongoing projects that will benefit companies, universities, entrepreneurs and citizens in general it can be said that the Symposium has been the fruitful beginning of another long lasting collaboration between Mexican and Finnish companies and universities. AGH members are proud of being part of this collective effort.